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The Worst Car Deals of March 2026: Skip These 5 Offers
Spring car sales are here, but not every automaker got the memo. While March brings some genuinely great deals, a handful of brands are sitting on bloated inventory with weak incentives to match. We dug through the March manufacturer offers to find the five deals worth skipping — and what to consider instead.
Don’t miss our guide to the best car deals in March 2026. As always, some manufacturer incentives are regional in nature.
2025 Lincoln Navigator
If a third of your March inventory was last year’s model, you’d probably run some big incentives to sell them, right? Lincoln and parent company Ford didn’t do the obvious for the roughly 2,500 remaining 2025 Navigators sitting unsold. The best financing deal in March is 3.9% APR for 48 months. The lease isn’t much better: the Navigator Reserve comes in at $1,579/month for 36 months with $5,604 due at signing.
For a full-size luxury SUV that’s been on the lot for months, those numbers are hard to justify. Competing three-row luxury SUVs are offering much more compelling terms right now. The 2026 Infiniti QX80, for example, is available at 0% APR for 60 months — on a vehicle that starts at a similar price point. If a large luxury SUV is on your list, the Navigator is not where the value is this month.
2025 Toyota RAV4
Why is 3.75% APR for 36 months one of the worst car deals in March? Because this offer is for the outgoing 2025 RAV4, not the latest-and-greatest, better-equipped 2026 model that’s now arriving on dealership lots.
The brand-new 2026 RAV4 is already being advertised at 4.99% APR for 60 months in most markets, and lease deals for both model years are virtually identical at the base LE trim. We’re not sure why any Toyota shopper would choose last year’s RAV4 given this lack of incentives. The 2026 model is genuinely that much better — standard hybrid powertrain, improved infotainment, and updated styling. If you’re in the market for a RAV4, hold out for the new one.
Toyota’s offers are especially regional, so it’s important to see local Toyota offer details.
2026 Mazda CX-50
Mazda just reported its seventh straight monthly decline in U.S. sales as rivals Toyota, Honda, Kia, and Hyundai continue to gain ground. Despite the sales slide, incentives for some of Mazda’s top sellers remain underwhelming in March.
There’s currently a 155-day supply of the CX-50 sitting on dealer lots — more than twice the market average. With 16,000 unsold CX-50s and stagnant demand, you’d expect something more compelling than the best offer of 1.9% APR for just 36 months. That’s a short term that is unlikely to move the needle for Mazda.
If you’re set on buying or leasing the CX-50, we’d recommend waiting to see what April brings. Given the inventory pressure, more compelling incentives are likely on the way.
2026 Jeep Compass
Jeep is offering some good APR and lease deals across most of its lineup in March. The Compass is the exception. With 170 days of supply, it’s one of the slower-moving vehicles in the entire Stellantis portfolio, and the best financing available is 6.9% APR — a rate more appropriate for buyers with fair credit than a manufacturer trying to clear excess stock.
The lease is a bit more reasonable: the Compass Limited 4×4 is available from $379/month for 36 months with $3,999 due before taxes and fees. If you’re aiming to drive home a new Compass this month, the lease is the better path. But given the inventory levels, there’s a case to be made for negotiating harder on price before committing to either option.
2026 Toyota Crown Signia
The 2026 Crown Signia is the slowest-selling Toyota model in March, roughly tied with the bZ electric crossover at about 72 days of supply. For context, the Toyota brand average is around six weeks of supply, and the most popular models typically sell in less than three weeks.
So why isn’t Toyota advertising a single incentive for the Crown Signia in most U.S. markets? That’s a fair question. Toyota’s U.S. market share continues to grow while many competitors struggle, so perhaps they feel little pressure to discount. Whatever the reason, buyers will find slim pickings here.
In most markets, leasing a 2026 Crown Signia XLE starts at $712/month for 36 months with $5,000 due at signing. Parts of the West Coast and Midwest are the exception, where Toyota is advertising lease deals from $529/month for 36 months with $3,999 due — a much more reasonable entry point.
There are no financing offers as of early March. The Crown Signia is a genuinely attractive vehicle, but at these terms and without any meaningful incentives, it’s hard to recommend pulling the trigger right now. Check your local Toyota deals, as Toyota’s incentives are notoriously regional.
CarEdge Helps You Find the Deals Worth Taking
When shopping for any of the vehicles above, remember to check manufacturer websites for your specific region before heading to a dealership, as offers can vary significantly by market.
Don’t forget to check out the BEST offers of the month, featuring 10 new car deals handpicked by our team of experts.
If you want the easiest path to a good deal, CarEdge Concierge handles your entire transaction from start to finish. You can also tap into our CarEdge Community forum and YouTube channel for market news, negotiation tips, and real buyer experiences.
Did you find a deal we missed? Let us know in the comments below.
Rising Oil Prices Could Give EV Sales a Boost
Oil prices are climbing again as tensions escalate overseas, and as the latest nationwide data shows, gas prices are already climbing. For an American electric vehicle market that has been losing momentum, that may be exactly the catalyst it needs to survive.
EV sales have fallen dramatically since the expiration of federal incentives last year. Rising fuel prices could be what gets them moving again. Here’s where things stand now, and where the EV market could be headed in the weeks ahead.
Where EV Sales Stand Right Now
U.S. EV sales totaled roughly 66,000 units in January 2026, down nearly 30% year-over-year and about 20% lower than December. EVs made up just 6.0% of all new vehicle sales for the month. That’s a substantial decline from the 10.5% peak seen in Q3 2025.
Zooming out, 2025 still finished as the second-best year on record for EV volume. But market share slipped from 8.1% in 2024 to about 7.8%, growth clearly plateaued, and several automakers have since moderated production targets in response.
Hybrids told a different story. Electrified vehicles overall gained market share in 2025, but most of that growth came from hybrids rather than fully electric vehicles. Consumers didn’t abandon fuel efficiency — they shifted toward options that felt more practical and less risky. Changing federal incentives, reliability concerns, and lingering charging anxiety all contributed to softer EV demand, and even Tesla saw monthly volatility as category growth cooled.
The EV market isn’t in freefall. But with market share slipping and automakers pulling back on targets, rising oil prices arrive at a critical moment.
Higher Gas Prices Change the Ownership Equation
When oil prices rise, gasoline prices follow, and the math on vehicle ownership shifts quickly.
Consider a straightforward example: a 25 MPG vehicle driven 15,000 miles per year costs about $1,950 annually in fuel at $3.25 per gallon. Push that to $4.50 per gallon, and the number climbs to roughly $2,700 — a $750 annual increase. Most EV drivers, by comparison, spend somewhere between $500 and $800 per year on electricity.
Gas prices are also uniquely visible. They’re posted in large numbers on every corner, and when they rise, they shift how drivers think about affordability in a way that abstract ownership calculations rarely do. That’s why drivers and politicians alike keep close tabs on gas prices.
Hybrids Move First, Then EVs
When gas prices spike, hybrid demand usually tightens first. Brands like Toyota, Lexus and Honda benefit immediately with their heavily-electrified lineups.
But when elevated oil prices persist for months rather than weeks, buyer behavior shifts further. That’s when full EV sales tend to accelerate, as longer time horizons make the ownership math increasingly compelling. Automakers like Ford, GM, Rivian, and Tesla could see renewed momentum in that scenario.
If demand strengthens meaningfully, expect incentives to shrink along with it. In March, zero-percent financing is commonplace for slow-selling EVs. Lease deals are also stellar. If we see a steady climb in EV interest, the best incentives could vanish.
Why This Moment Is Different
In the previous oil price spike in 2022, EV sales were limited by a smaller model lineup, thinner charging infrastructure, and a buyer pool that was largely first-adopters. That’s no longer the case. There are now more than 70 fully-electric models available in the U.S. across a wide range of price points. The public charging network has expanded significantly with newcomers like IONNA and expansions from players like Tesla, EVgo, and Electrify America. Used EV inventory is deeper and more affordable than ever.
If gas prices stay elevated this time, the EV market is better positioned to absorb and sustain a demand surge than it has been at any prior point. Whether that translates into a structural shift or a temporary bump comes down to one variable: duration.
A short spike will likely produce a temporary lift in EV and hybrid shopping — enough to move inventory, but not enough to change the market’s trajectory. Sustained high prices over 6 months or could produce something different: stronger used EV demand, accelerated investment in charging infrastructure, and automakers leaning harder into electrification timelines they might otherwise delay.
What Smart Buyers Should Do Now
If oil prices are rising and you’re thinking about your next vehicle, here’s how to approach it without letting the news cycle make the decision for you.
Run the full ownership math. A lower monthly payment on a gas vehicle can look attractive until you factor in fuel costs over five years. Compare total cost of ownership, not just sticker prices.
Consider EV leases. When buying any EV, depreciation hits hard. A two-to-three year lease keeps your options open and protects you from depreciation risk in a segment where resale values are still finding their footing. See the best leases right now.
Consider the used EV market. Prefer to own rather than lease? The used EV market is where some of the strongest value currently exists for buyers who want to reduce fuel costs without absorbing the full cost of a new vehiclea.
Of course, this is an evolving situation. Stay tuned to CarEdge for the latest industry trends, buyer tips, and the best deals of the month.
The Best Truck Deals for March 2026: Cheap Leases and 0% APRs
Truck demand remains strong heading into spring, but sky-high prices haven’t stopped manufacturers from fighting for your business. Truck prices remain near all-time highs with an average of $66,241 — yet automakers are rolling out incentives worth thousands of dollars to clear crowded dealership lots.
Tens of thousands of leftover 2025 models remain unsold in March. That’s the perfect recipe for a buyer’s truck market. Don’t pay MSRP when March truck deals like these are on the table.
Whether you’re in the market for a mid-size hauler or a full-size workhorse, we’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. Here are the best truck deals available in March.
NOTE: New manufacturer incentives will arrive on Tuesday, March 3. Check back for new deals!
2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Through March 2, current lessees of 2021 or newer Chevrolet vehicles can lease the 2026 Silverado 1500’s Crew Cab 4WD LT trim with a TurboMax engine at $379/month for 36 months, with $1,709 due at signing.
If you’re interested in financing, you can get a 2025 or 2026 Silverado 1500 with a TurboMax engine at 1.9% APR for 36 months through March 2.
See Chevrolet Silverado 1500 listings near you.
2026 Chevrolet Colorado
Is a mid-size Chevrolet pickup more your speed? Current lessees of any 2021 or newer Chevrolet can lease the Colorado Custom Crew Cab 2WD at $279/month for 36 months, with $1,929 due at signing through March 2.
Or, finance a 2026 Colorado at 3.9% APR for 60 months, complemented by a $2,000 Chevrolet mid-pickup competitive cash allowance. See Chevrolet offer details.
Some key advantages you’ll get with the Colorado over the full-size Silverado 1500 are:
- Added off-road maneuverability
- Higher fuel economy
- A lower starting price ($32,400 vs. $36,900)
- Same standard engine power as a Silverado 1500
See Chevrolet Colorado listings near you.
2025 Ford F-150 STX
Nearly half of the new F-150s for sale in March are 2025 models, and dealers are desperate to sell them soon. Right now, you can lease the 2025 F-150 STX 4×4 2.7L at $479/month for 36 months, with just $479 due at signing.
Or, finance the F-150 STX 4×4 2.7L at 2.9% APR for 60 months. These Ford deals are good through March 2. See Ford offer details.
See 2026 Ford F-150 listings near you.
2025 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4
Ford is offering an attractive mid-size truck lease this month. Through March 2, 2026, you can lease the 2025 Ford Ranger XLT 4×4 from $471/month for 36 months, with $471 due at signing. See Ford offer details.
See 2026 Ford Ranger listings near you.
2026 GMC Sierra 1500
GMC is offering some big truck sales in March. With a trade-in, you can receive a maximum $8,350 cash discount on 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 models with a TurboMax engine.
Current lessees of 2021 or newer GM models can lease the 2026 Sierra 1500 Short Box Crew Cab 4WD Elevation w/TurboMax trim for $299/month for 24 months, with $3,709 due at signing. See GMC offer details.
See 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 listings near you.
2026 Ram 1500
Ram is offering 0% APR for 60 months on the 2026 Ram 1500 through March 2. Remaining 2025 inventory is eligible for an even more impressive 0% APR for 72 months. See Ram offer details.
See 2026 Ram 1500 listings near you.
The Best Electric Truck Deal Right Now
The best electric truck deal in March is 0% APR for 60 months on its Chevrolet’s 2025 Silverado EV, which features faster charging and more range than competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning or Tesla Cybertruck.
Unlike the F-150 Lightning, the Silverado EV hasn’t been discontinued. With specs that firmly place it in the top of its segment, it would be a shock to the industry if it ever is.
CarEdge Popular 20: Real Prices & Inventory for America’s 20 Best-Selling Vehicles
Every month, analysts and journalists report on the “average new car price in America.” It sounds useful, but to the average American car buyer, it rarely is.
That number includes every new vehicle sold, from a heavily discounted Mitsubishi Mirage to a $200,000 Porsche 911. Low-volume luxury models and niche vehicles skew that average in ways that have nothing to do with the cars most Americans are actually buying. When the average new car price goes up, is it because your next car costs more, or because a handful of wealthy buyers picked up more exotics last month? You can’t tell.
At CarEdge, we think car buyers deserve a more accurate measure of car price trends. So we built one.
Introducing the CarEdge Popular 20
Each month, we track the average transaction prices and inventory levels of the 20 best-selling vehicles in America. These are the trucks, SUVs, and cars that mainstream car buyers are actually shopping for: the Ford F-150, the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, and the like. These are vehicles that move in massive volumes and reflect the market the way most Americans experience it.
By focusing on the Popular 20, we filter out the noise and outliers. What remains is a clear, honest signal of where new car prices and inventory are actually heading for mainstream buyers.
We track two things for each model every month.
Average Transaction Price is what cars are actually selling for, not the MSRP.
Market Day Supply (MDS) is how many days of inventory dealers have on hand at the current sales pace. This is the single best indicator of where prices are heading. Low supply means dealer leverage. High supply means shopper leverage. Learn more about this market metric here.
We’ll update this data every month. Over time, we hope this becomes a useful tool, providing a ground-level view of the market that journalists, analysts, and car shoppers can actually rely on.
February 2026 Data: The Popular 20
Average Transaction Prices
| January 2026 | February 2026 | Percent Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | $61,109 | $61,217 | 0.18% |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | $53,286 | $52,911 | -0.70% |
| Toyota RAV4 | $37,379 | $37,432 | 0.14% |
| Honda CR-V | $38,667 | $38,709 | 0.11% |
| Ram 1500 | $59,331 | $60,056 | 1.22% |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | $62,583 | $62,347 | -0.38% |
| Toyota Camry | $35,209 | $35,202 | -0.02% |
| Toyota Tacoma | $46,103 | $46,088 | -0.03% |
| Toyota Corolla | $25,666 | $25,710 | 0.17% |
| Honda Civic | $29,210 | $29,277 | 0.23% |
| Hyundai Tucson | $35,321 | $35,444 | 0.35% |
| Ford Explorer | $50,078 | $49,953 | -0.25% |
| Nissan Rogue | $33,191 | $32,764 | -1.29% |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | $45,370 | $45,348 | -0.05% |
| Chevrolet Trax | $25,565 | $25,652 | 0.34% |
| Subaru Crosstrek | $32,690 | $32,896 | 0.63% |
| Kia Sportage | $35,508 | $35,492 | -0.05% |
| Subaru Forester | $39,344 | $39,466 | 0.31% |
| Jeep Wrangler | $53,454 | $53,477 | 0.04% |
| Subaru Outback | $40,225 | $40,876 | 1.62% |
| Top 20 Average Selling Price | $41,964 | $42,016 | 0.12% |
Inventory: Market Day Supply
| January 2026 | February 2026 | Percent Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 | 81 | 129 | 59% |
| Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 65 | 92 | 42% |
| Toyota RAV4 | 22 | 37 | 68% |
| Honda CR-V | 53 | 67 | 26% |
| Ram 1500 | 149 | 163 | 9% |
| GMC Sierra 1500 | 78 | 115 | 47% |
| Toyota Camry | 33 | 45 | 36% |
| Toyota Tacoma | 58 | 58 | 0% |
| Toyota Corolla | 37 | 44 | 19% |
| Honda Civic | 57 | 67 | 18% |
| Hyundai Tucson | 95 | 132 | 39% |
| Ford Explorer | 117 | 141 | 21% |
| Nissan Rogue | 101 | 93 | -8% |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 133 | 156 | 17% |
| Chevrolet Trax | 88 | 109 | 24% |
| Subaru Crosstrek | 73 | 90 | 23% |
| Kia Sportage | 100 | 121 | 21% |
| Subaru Forester | 103 | 77 | -25% |
| Jeep Wrangler 4-Door | 151 | 180 | 19% |
| Subaru Outback | 74 | 117 | 58% |
| Top 20 Average MDS | 83 | 102 | 22% |
The big story: Inventory surged in February, almost across the board
Of the 20 models we track, 18 saw market day supply increase from January to February. Inventory is building across the mainstream market, and that matters enormously for buyers. More supply means more negotiating leverage, less pressure to pay over sticker, and more time to make a smart decision.
The biggest jumps came from some of the market’s highest-volume trucks and SUVs. The Ford F-150 saw its MDS leap from 81 to 129 days, a 59% increase in a single month. The Subaru Outback surged from 74 to 117 days, and both the GMC Sierra 1500 and Hyundai Tucson climbed 37 days each. These are significant moves.
Sometimes, a sudden jump in supply reflects a recent delivery of vehicles from the factory. That is likely the case with the Outback and F-150. To find vehicles sitting on dealership lots the longest, use tools like CarEdge Pro to gain market insights. These are always the most-negotiable new cars.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Toyota RAV4 remains the tightest vehicle in our index at just 37 days supply, up from 22 in January but still firmly in seller’s-market territory. The Toyota Tacoma held perfectly flat at 58 days. The Subaru Forester was the only model to see a meaningful inventory decline, dropping from 103 to 77 days. Subaru is likely selling down 2025 Forester inventory as new 2026 shipments are imminent.
Prices were remarkably stable, with a few notable exceptions
Despite the inventory surge, transaction prices barely moved for most models. The Popular 20 average transaction price in January was $41,979. In February it was $41,994, essentially flat.
That stability is worth noting. Rising inventory doesn’t immediately push prices down — the market doesn’t move that fast. Prices tend to lag inventory by weeks or months. If the supply trend continues into March and beyond, downward pressure should follow, particularly in the truck segment where inventory is growing fastest.
The Ram 1500 was the most notable outlier on the upside, rising $725 to $60,056 despite already carrying 163 days of supply, the second-highest in the index. That’s a disconnect worth watching. The Subaru Outback also climbed $651, coinciding with its inventory nearly doubling. Moving in the opposite direction, the Nissan Rogue fell $427 as its inventory slightly contracted.
The truck market deserves a closer look
The full-size truck segment — F-150, Silverado, Ram, and Sierra — dominates our index both by volume and by price. Their average transaction prices sit well above $60,000, a level that would have seemed extraordinary just a few years ago. At the same time, three of the four now sit at 90-plus days of supply, with the Ram above 160. These are buyers’ market conditions by any historical standard. Shoppers cross-shopping full-size trucks have real leverage right now and should use it.
How to Use This Data
Pay close attention to the MDS figure for the vehicle you’re considering. Anything above 90 days is a buyer’s market in 2026. With these models, you have room to negotiate. Trucks and large SUVs have higher inventory in general, and are the most negotiable. Thousands of 2025 models remain unsold, and these present the greatest opportunities for saving.
Anything below 45 days means the dealer has the upper hand. Negotiating discounts will be tough for these cars. Right now, the RAV4, Camry, and Corolla are all in high demand and short supply.
If you’re watching the broader market, the February inventory surge is the leading indicator to follow. If inventory (as measured by MDS) continues climbing into the spring, expect transaction prices to soften, especially for slower-selling trucks and three-row SUVs.
Methodology: Average transaction prices reflect what buyers paid at the dealership, aggregated across all trim levels and configurations for each model. Market Day Supply is calculated by dividing current dealer inventory by the average daily sales rate. Data covers the United States. The 20 models included reflect the best-selling vehicles in America by volume as reported in Car and Driver, with direct-to-consumer models from Tesla omitted.
Next update: March 27, 2026
About CarEdge
Founded in 2019 by father-and-son team Ray and Zach Shefska, CarEdge is a leading platform dedicated to empowering car shoppers with free expert advice, in-depth market insights, and AI-powered tools to navigate every step of the car-buying journey. From researching vehicles to negotiating deals, CarEdge helps consumers save money, time, and hassle. With trusted resources like the CarEdge Research Center, Vehicle Rankings and Reviews, and hundreds of guides on YouTube, CarEdge is redefining transparency and fairness in the automotive industry.
Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, X, Facebook, and Instagram for actionable car-buying tips and market insights.
Truck Prices Are Rising 40% Faster Than Blue Collar Wages
The workers who buy trucks can no longer afford them. Here’s what the data shows.
The full-size pickup truck has always been more than just a vehicle. For electricians, contractors, factory workers, and drivers, it’s a professional tool — and often the biggest purchase they’ll make outside of a home. For decades, a mid-tier truck was attainable on a blue collar income. That’s no longer the case.
A new CarEdge analysis of truck pricing and the most recent U.S. wage data finds that between 2014 and 2024, the average mid-tier full-size truck climbed 53.1% in price — while the average blue collar wage grew just 38.7%. Truck prices are rising nearly 40% faster than the paychecks of the workers most likely to buy them.
Read the full CarEdge Truck Price Inflation Report →
The Numbers
In 2014, the five trucks in our study averaged $36,808. By 2024, that average had reached $55,671 — an increase of nearly $19,000 in ten years. To put that in perspective: the entire base price of the most affordable truck in the study in 2014 is now less than the price increase on the most expensive model alone.
By 2023, something happened that had never happened before: the average truck price hit 1.00x the average annual blue collar wage. For the first time on record, buying a new truck meant spending an entire year’s gross salary.
Occupational wage statistics for 2025 are expected to be released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the summer of 2026. CarEdge will run the numbers again with the latest figures when we have the update.
Who’s Feeling It Most
Not all blue collar workers are in the same position. Construction and extraction workers — among the higher earners in the group at $63,920 annually — now need about 10.5 months of gross pay to afford the average truck, up from 9.5 months in 2014.
Production and transportation workers have it worse. Earning between $48,000 and $50,000 a year, these workers now need more than 13 months of gross income to cover the average truck price — and that’s before taxes, rent, or any other expense.
How We Got Here
The pandemic accelerated an affordability crisis that was already underway. Between 2021 and 2023, the five-truck average surged nearly $10,000 in just two years as semiconductor shortages collapsed inventory and manufacturers prioritized their most profitable high-trim models. Prices spiked — and never came back down.
But the pandemic wasn’t the whole story. Automakers had been quietly walking away from the blue collar buyer for years. The number of new vehicle models priced under $25,000 dropped from 36 in 2017 to just 10 five years later. Entry-level truck trims became nearly impossible to find on dealer lots by design.
Then came the EV losses. Ford expects to continue losing billions on EVs for years to come. GM took roughly $6 billion in EV-related write-downs. Those losses were largely offset by charging more for the gas-powered trucks that actually sell. The workers who buy F-150s effectively subsidized a failed industry bet.
What Buyers Can Do
New-car prices in 2024 were still 29% higher than in 2019, and CarEdge projects trucks and SUVs will rise another 3–5% in 2026 — before any tariff impact on imported components. Relief isn’t coming soon. But there are ways to fight back.
Shop leftover 2025 models. Ford and Ram are heading into 2026 with tens of thousands of unsold 2025 trucks on dealer lots. That’s leverage. Dealers are motivated to move aging inventory, and buyers who target outgoing model-year trucks can often negotiate well below MSRP — sometimes thousands under sticker. The longer those trucks sit, the more room there is to negotiate.
Know the dealer’s cost before you walk in. CarEdge’s free dealer invoice tool shows you what the dealer actually paid for the truck — not what they’re asking for it. That number is your anchor. Any negotiation should start there, not at MSRP.
Have AI negotiate aging inventory for you. CarEdge Pro gives you access to target discount recommendations, market pricing data, and a step-by-step negotiation guide so you know exactly what to say — and what to push back on — at every stage of the deal.
Consider the used and CPO market. Certified pre-owned trucks from the last two to three years still offer strong capability at a meaningfully lower price point. With new truck prices near historic highs, a lightly used model can represent significant savings without sacrificing much in terms of condition or features.
Look at mid-size alternatives. For buyers whose work doesn’t require a full-size bed or towing capacity, mid-size trucks offer real utility at a significantly lower price point — and are usually easier to negotiate on.
Explore the full CarEdge Truck Price Inflation Report, including all data and methodology →
CarEdge analyzed base MSRP data for five best-selling full-size trucks cross-referenced against Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for four blue collar occupational sectors, covering 2014–2024. Full methodology available at caredge.com/truck-price-inflation-2026.
CarEdge Launches Car Dealer Ratings Based on Real Prices
For the first time, car shoppers can compare dealers by transparency — not just star ratings.
Car reviews have been around for decades. Dealer reviews have been around for years. But until now, no one has rated car dealerships based on what actually matters most to buyers: what they charge, and how transparent they are to deal with.
CarEdge is launching the Dealer Transparency Index — the first car dealership rating system built entirely on verified, real-world pricing data. No anonymous opinions. No self-reported surveys. Just actual out-the-door quotes, collected by CarEdge’s AI-powered car buying agents, and shared for every consumer to see.
How It Works
CarEdge contacts dealerships on behalf of real car shoppers and collects itemized out-the-door quotes — the full price including doc fees, add-ons, and any dealer markup above the listed price. Every quote is then scored across four categories:
- Fee Transparency (30%) — Doc fees benchmarked against a $499 standard
- Add-on Behavior (30%) — Whether dealers bundle mandatory add-ons buyers didn’t ask for
- Dealer Markup (30%) — Any dealer-controlled fees above the listing price
- Data Quality (10%) — Whether the quote is complete and itemized
The result is a transparency score from 0 to 100, with letter grades from A to F. Dealers with five or more verified quotes are ranked publicly at caredge.com/dealer-ratings.
Why This Matters
Anyone who has bought a car knows the feeling: you walk in expecting one price and walk out paying another. Dealer fees, paint protection packages, nitrogen-filled tires, and documentation charges can add thousands of dollars to a purchase — often without clear explanation.
Until now, there’s been no reliable way for shoppers to know which dealers play it straight and which ones play games. Yelp and Google reviews tell you whether the coffee in the waiting room was good. CarEdge’s Dealer Transparency Index tells you whether the dealer charged you $1,200 for a paint sealant you didn’t want.
The data makes clear that pricing behavior varies enormously. The highest-rated dealers score a perfect 100/100. The lowest score under 30. That gap represents real money — often thousands of dollars — out of consumers’ pockets.
The Ratings Are Live
The index is live now, with dealers earning grades from A to F based on their verified pricing behavior. The spread between the best and worst dealers is striking — top-rated dealers score a perfect 100/100, while the lowest-rated fall below 30. That gap represents real money out of consumers’ pockets, often thousands of dollars per transaction.
The ratings are continuously updated as new quotes come in.
Built on the World’s Largest AI Car Buying Platform
The Dealer Transparency Index is powered by CarEdge’s AI negotiation platform, which exchanges messages with dealers 24/7 on behalf of consumers. The platform has contacted thousands of dealers and negotiated quotes across the country, with an average dealer response time of under two hours.
“Consumers deserve to know what dealers actually charge — not what they claim to charge,” said Zach Shefska, co-founder of CarEdge. “We built this because the information exists. It just needed to be organized, scored, and made public.”
Search Dealer Ratings Now
Car shoppers can search and compare dealer transparency scores at caredge.com/dealer-ratings. Dealers are searchable by name, location, and grade.
CarEdge was founded in 2019 by Ray and Zach Shefska to bring transparency and fairness to car buying. CarEdge always serves consumers — never dealers or automakers.
Dealer grades referenced are based on CarEdge’s Transparency Index and reflect pricing data derived from actual out-the-door quotes generated through consumer inquiries on the CarEdge platform or by CarEdge acting on behalf of the consumers it represents. Scores may be based on limited sample sizes and are subject to change as additional data is collected.
Ford Recalls 4.4 Million Trucks and SUVs Just Weeks After Quality Bonuses
If you own a Ford or Lincoln truck or SUV from the last few years, there’s a decent chance you’re caught up in one of the largest vehicle recalls in recent memory. In February 2026, Ford filed paperwork with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) covering 4,380,609 vehicles over a software flaw that can kill your trailer’s brakes and lights while you’re towing.
Here’s what the recall is about, which Ford models are impacted, and how the latest Ford recall is a sign of a much larger problem for the automaker.
What’s the Problem?
The defect lives inside the Integrated Trailer Module (ITRM), a software-driven component that manages communication between your truck and whatever you’re towing. When the vehicle wakes up from sleep mode — essentially every time you start it — there’s a chance the ITRM loses its connection to the rest of the truck’s computer system.
Ford and NHTSA describe it as a “race condition” bug, meaning the software is sensitive to the timing and sequence of events during startup. Most of the time it works fine. But when it doesn’t, the consequences can be serious: your trailer’s stop lamps go out, its turn signals stop working, and on trucks equipped with the high-series ITRM, the trailer’s electric brakes can fail entirely.
Think about what that means in practice. You’re on the highway pulling a 10,000-pound boat or a loaded work trailer. The driver behind you has no warning you’re slowing down. You apply the brakes, but only your truck is stopping — the trailer isn’t. That’s a crash waiting to happen.
Ford says it’s aware of 405 warranty claims potentially connected to the defect, along with two formal complaints filed directly with the NHTSA. The company has not identified any crashes or injuries tied to the issue.
Your dashboard will usually tip you off before things get dangerous. If you see a “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message pop up on your instrument cluster — possibly accompanied by a fast-flashing turn signal indicator or a “Blind Spot Assist System fault” warning — that’s the ITRM telling you it lost communication. Stop towing if you see either of these messages and get the software update as soon as possible.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall (NHTSA ID: 26V104000; Ford’s internal number: 26C10) covers the following vehicles:
- Ford F-150 — 2021–2026 model years (~2.3 million vehicles)
- Ford F-250 Super Duty — 2022–2026 model years (~1.13 million vehicles)
- Ford Maverick — 2022–2026 model years (~412,000 vehicles)
- Ford Expedition — 2022–2026 model years
- Ford Ranger — 2024–2026 model years
- Lincoln Navigator — 2022–2026 model years
- Ford E-Transit — 2026 model year (13,115 vehicles)
The F-150 and Super Duty alone account for more than 3.4 million of the 4.38 million affected vehicles. These are America’s most popular trucks, which is part of why this recall is so significant.
Ford estimates that only about 1% of the affected vehicles actually have the defect — roughly 44,000 trucks and SUVs. But with numbers this large, even 1% is a lot of vehicles on the road.
What’s the Fix, and When Can You Get It?
The good news is that this is a software problem, and software problems tend to have clean fixes. Ford plans to push an updated ITRM software patch that eliminates the race condition bug entirely. Better still, most owners won’t need to make a dealer appointment.
Here’s the timeline:
Starting March 17, 2026: Ford will begin mailing recall notices to affected owners. On that same date, you’ll be able to search your VIN on the NHTSA website (nhtsa.gov/recalls) or Ford’s recall page to confirm whether your vehicle is included.
March 17–23, 2026: Owners can also take their vehicle to any Ford or Lincoln dealer at no charge to have the software update applied. No appointment necessary — walk-ins are welcome for recall repairs.
May 2026: Ford plans to begin rolling out the fix as an over-the-air (OTA) update for vehicles that support it. If your truck can receive OTA updates, you may not have to do anything at all beyond accepting the update when it arrives.
Either way — dealer visit or OTA — the repair is completely free.
How to Check Your VIN Right Now
If you don’t want to wait for a letter in the mail, you can check today. Go to nhtsa.gov/recalls and enter your 17-digit VIN to see if your vehicle is impacted by any open recalls. Your VIN is printed on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb, on your registration, or on the lower left corner of your windshield.
Ford’s own recall lookup is available at ford.com/support/recalls.
Note that Ford expects all affected VINs to be searchable in the NHTSA system starting March 17. If you check today and your VIN doesn’t surface any results for this specific recall, give it until mid-March before concluding you’re in the clear.
The Bigger Picture on Ford Quality
It would be easy to treat this as an isolated incident, but it’s hard to ignore the context. In 2025, Ford issued 153 recalls covering more than 12.9 million vehicles — the most recalls any automaker has issued in a single calendar year, by a wide margin. The previous record was 77, set by General Motors in 2014. Second place in 2025 wasn’t even close: Chrysler finished with 53.
2026 hasn’t started much better. Before this trailer module recall even dropped, Ford had already issued eight recalls in the first 50 days of the year. That’s enough to put Ford ahead of every other automaker before February is out.
What makes all of this particularly hard to square is that Ford handed out company-wide bonuses just weeks ago — tied specifically to quality improvements. According to Reuters, CEO Jim Farley told employees in a February town hall that bonuses would be set at 130%, citing meaningful gains in “initial quality,” a metric that measures how often owners bring vehicles in for repairs within the first 90 days of ownership. Farley reportedly described current initial quality as the best it’s been in a decade.
A growing list of quality concerns
Ford and Farley aren’t wrong that initial quality and recall counts measure different things. A recall can be triggered by a defect that only appears years into ownership, or — as Ford has argued — by a more aggressive internal strategy to find and fix issues before regulators force the issue.
Ford also paid a $165 million NHTSA fine in 2024 for being too slow to recall vehicles with defective rearview cameras, which likely explains some of the heightened urgency to act quickly now.
But from where a car buyer sits, the optics are tough. A record-breaking recall year followed by bonuses for quality, followed by one of the largest single recalls in recent memory — all before March — is a lot to process. Both things can be true simultaneously: initial quality may genuinely be improving while older software and hardware issues continue to surface in the field. The question for buyers is which metric they weight more heavily when deciding whether to pull the trigger on a new F-150 or pick up a used Super Duty.
What Should You Do in the Meantime?
If you regularly tow with your truck, the most practical step is to pay attention to those dashboard warnings. A “Trailer Brake Module Fault” message is your signal to stop towing and get the update applied. If your truck is sitting in the driveway and not connected to a trailer, the defect poses no safety risk — the problem only becomes dangerous when you’re actually towing something.
If you’re shopping for a used F-150, Maverick, Super Duty, Ranger, Expedition, or Navigator right now, don’t let this recall alone steer you away from an otherwise solid truck. An open recall is a known, fixable problem. What you want to confirm is that the recall has already been repaired before you purchase. Ask the dealer to confirm recall status before you sign, or check the VIN yourself.
Have a Ford or Lincoln truck caught in this recall? Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and reach out to CarEdge if you have questions about how open recalls affect your negotiating position.
66% of Car Buyers Cross-Shop New AND Used: Why Dealers Hate It
The car-buying game has fundamentally changed. According to a Cox Automotive study from January 2026, 66% of buyers now cross-shop new AND used vehicles. That’s up from 57% one year ago. Even more striking: 29% of new car buyers are actively comparing leasing versus buying before they sign anything. Both numbers are all-time highs, and they represent a massive shift in how consumers approach the market.
Dealers? They absolutely hate it. And for good reason: when you cross-shop, you hold all the leverage.
Why Cross-Shopping New and Used Cars Is Exploding
A few years ago, the playbook was simple. You walked into a dealership knowing whether you wanted new or used, and salespeople could steer you toward whatever had the best margin. But three major forces have flipped the script:
1. Inventory normalization: New car supply has recovered from pandemic lows, while used prices have cooled from their 2021-2022 peaks. The gap between new and used isn’t as predictable anymore.
2. Rate volatility: Interest rates have swung wildly. A lightly used car with a 6% rate might cost more per month than a new model with manufacturer financing at 2.9%.
3. Information access: Tools like CarEdge, ChatGPT, and even TikTok have made it trivial to compare a 2024 CPO model against a brand-new 2026 with incentives—all before you ever talk to a salesperson.
The result? Buyers are making smarter, more flexible decisions. And dealers are losing control of the narrative.
66% Cross-Shop New and Used Cars
Let’s break down what this means in practice. If you walk into a Honda dealership looking at a new Accord, there’s a two-in-three chance you’ve also priced out:
- A 2024 Accord CPO with 15,000 miles
- A 2023 Camry with similar features
- Maybe even a leftover 2025 new model at a different dealer
This isn’t indecision, it’s responsible car shopping. Buyers are treating the car market like any other major purchase: they’re comparison shopping.
Why does this frustrate dealers? Because it kills the anchor. Salespeople rely on anchoring your expectations to a single category. If you’re “a new car buyer,” they can upsell trim levels and warranties. If you’re “a used car buyer,” they can push certification fees and extended coverage. But when you’re both, they can’t box you in.
29% of New Buyers Compare Leasing vs. Buying
This one’s even more telling. Nearly three in ten buyers who do choose new are also running lease vs. finance calculations. That’s a massive behavioral shift.
Why? Because the math has gotten weird. In 2026, you might find:
- A lease on a $45,000 EV that costs $299/month (thanks to tax credit passthrough)
- A finance deal on the same car at $650/month (6.5% APR, minimal down)
Smart buyers are asking: “Do I even want to own this, or should I just lock in a low payment and reassess in three years?” Dealers hate this because leases require transparent residual calculations, and they can’t bury profit in interest rate markup as easily.
Why Dealers Hate Cross-Shopping
Cross-shopping breaks the dealership playbook. Ray’s seen this firsthand over decades in dealerships. Here’s the traditional sales process:
1. Qualify the buyer: Are they trading in? What’s their budget? New or used?
2. Isolate the vehicle: Get them emotionally attached to one car.
3. Control the numbers: Structure the deal so monthly payment feels reasonable, even if the total cost is inflated.
Cross-shopping destroys step two. When a buyer says, “I’m also looking at a CPO model across town and a new one with 0% financing,” the salesperson can’t anchor you to their inventory. You’re signaling that you’ll walk if the math doesn’t work.
Harder to Bury Profit
Dealers make money in a few key places:
- Front-end profit: The gap between invoice and selling price.
- Finance reserve: Markup on your interest rate (yes, this is legal in most states).
- Back-end products: Warranties, gap insurance, paint protection, etc.
When you cross-shop new and used, you’re implicitly comparing all three. A CPO car might have a lower sticker but a higher rate. A new car might have incentives that make financing cheaper. Suddenly, the dealer can’t hide profit in one bucket because you’re scrutinizing the whole package.
Ray’s advice? This is your power move. Don’t let them silo the conversation. If they’re pushing a used car, ask about new incentives. If they’re pushing new, ask about CPO inventory. Force them to compete against themselves.
How to Leverage Cross-Shopping Like a Pro
Step 1: Start Broad, Then Narrow
Don’t walk in with your mind made up. Even if you think you want a new 2026 RAV4, spend 20 minutes researching:
- What does a 2024 RAV4 with 20,000 miles cost?
- Are there leftover 2025s with bigger rebates?
- What’s the lease payment on a new one vs. financing a used one?
Use tools like CarEdge Pro to pull real market data. When shopping new cars, always have the invoice price. You want to walk into the dealership knowing the range of good deals, not just one target.
Step 2: Get Quotes on Multiple Scenarios
Here’s a real example from a CarEdge member in early 2026:
- Scenario A: 2024 Honda CR-V CPO, 18K miles, $32,500, financed at 6.2% for 60 months = $632/month
- Scenario B: 2026 Honda CR-V new, $36,800 MSRP, $2,000 rebate, manufacturer financing at 3.9% for 60 months = $634/month
The new car was $2/month more expensive. Guess which one the dealer wanted to sell? The used one—because they owned it outright and had more margin.
The buyer? She went with the new car. Better warranty, lower rate, and she leveraged the CPO quote to get an extra $500 off.
Step 3: Compare Leasing vs. Buying
Even if you plan to own the car long-term, get a lease quote. Why?
- It forces the dealer to show you the residual value (what they think the car will be worth in 3 years).
- It reveals manufacturer incentives you might not see on a purchase.
- It gives you a Plan B if rates are terrible.
Leasing has quickly become a popular option as rising MSRPs have put buying out of reach for many. For drivers who want something fresh and different every two or three years, leasing lets you avoid repeated depreciation hits.
Step 4: Use Cross-Shopping to Negotiate Harder
Here’s the script:
“I’m comparing this 2026 Accord at $32,000 to a 2024 CPO at $28,500 and a leftover 2025 at another dealer for $30,000. I like your car, but I need you at $31,000 to make the numbers work.”
You’re not being rude—you’re being transparent. And transparency terrifies dealers because it means you’ve done your homework.
Ray’s tip: Don’t bluff. If you say you have another offer, you better actually have it. Dealers can smell BS, and it kills your credibility.
What This Means for the Market in 2026
Buyers Have the Upper Hand
The 66% cross-shopping stat isn’t just a data point—it’s a power shift. For the first time in years, buyers are forcing dealers to compete on value, not just availability. Inventory is up, prices are negotiable again, and information asymmetry is shrinking.
But this won’t last forever. If demand spikes or rates drop sharply, dealers will regain leverage. The time to cross-shop is now.
Dealers Are Adapting (And You Should Too)
Smart dealers are already adjusting. They’re pricing CPO cars more competitively, offering transparent online quotes, and training salespeople to handle cross-shoppers without the hard sell. The dinosaurs who refuse to adapt? They’re losing deals left and right.
As a buyer, your job is to reward the good dealers and walk away from the bad ones. If a salesperson dismisses your cross-shopping research or pressures you to “decide today,” that’s a red flag. There are plenty of dealers who will work with you.
Final Takeaways
The fact that two-thirds of car buyers now cross-shop new and used isn’t a trend—it’s the new normal. And the 29% who compare leasing vs. buying? That’s a sign that buyers are getting smarter, not just more cautious.
Dealers hate it because it makes their jobs harder. But for you, it’s the best leverage you’ve had in years.
Here’s your action plan:
1. Cross-shop ruthlessly: New, used, CPO, leftover models—get quotes on all of it.
2. Compare leasing and buying: Even if you think you’ll buy, the lease quote reveals hidden value.
3. Negotiate with data: Walk in with real numbers from real competitors. No bluffing.
4. Don’t rush: The market is soft right now. Dealers need your business more than you need their car.
The power is in your hands. Use it. Learn how CarEdge can get you the best deal.
Ford Models With the Best Resale Value [2026 Data]
Traditionally, cars are not considered a profitable investment (barring a handful of exceptions), at least not in the sense of seemingly unremarkable family heirlooms featured on “Antiques Roadshow.” Yet, a higher resale value translates into less depreciation expense and thus a better return on investment (ROI).
Certain models—in this case, of the Blue Oval persuasion—do tend to retain more of their value over the years compared to others. Unless you plan to keep the next Ford you buy until it runs into the ground, buying one with a higher resale value can help you recoup more of your investment, especially when you go to buy your next car. Our list of the most popular Ford models with the best resale value below includes a few obvious nameplates—and some that might surprise you.
Ford: Brand Resale Value Rankings
Among all brands (foreign and domestic), Ford’s resale value rankings vary depending on the selected ownership time period and corresponding depreciation rates. The Blue Oval ranks eleventh (62.2%) among all brands for the best value after three years and thirteenth (50.1% and 41.5%, respectively) after five and seven years.
However, in resale value rankings for three- and five-year ownership terms, it suffers from a wide range of resale values across its models. Some, like those listed below, perform well, while others fall short. Despite these variances, the 2024 model year retains the best resale value (73.3%), followed closely by 2023 and 2022.
Top Ford Models With the Best 3-Year Resale Value
| Make and Model | 3-Year Resale Value | 3-Year Residual Value |
| Ford Ranger | $44,861 | 95.7% |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | $68,772 | 92.2% |
| Ford F-150 | $54,468 | 87.8% |
| Ford Edge | $40,327 | 86.9% |
| Ford Mustang | $44,838 | 86.2% |
After three years, the Ford Ranger retains nearly all its value, joining the higher-priced F-150 Lightning as the two Ford models with resale values over 90%. Like most half-ton pickups, the Ford F-150 retains significant value based on its versatility and popularity. If the price tag for a brand-new F-150 exceeds your budget, you could save $23,166 just by buying a model that’s two model years older.
The Ford Edge and Mustang round out the top five Blue Oval models with the highest resale value in the first three years of ownership. Both depreciate less than $7,500 in this time, which is far less than you’d pay for a lease of the same timeframe.
Top Ford Models With the Best 5-Year Resale Value
| Make and Model | 5-Year Resale Value | 5-Year Residual Value |
| Ford Ranger | $33,592 | 71.6% |
| Ford Maverick | $22,454 | 61.1% |
| Ford F-250 | $33,564 | 54.0% |
| Ford F-150 | $31,302 | 50.5% |
| Ford Escape | $16,463 | 45.1% |
The Ford Ranger and F-150 appear on both of these top-five rankings for resale value. Second is the Ford Maverick, which also ranks fifth among all cars with the best resale value (83.0%) after three years. The F-250 benefits from the same factors that rank the F-150 on this list, while the Escape also retains just over 45% of its value, respectable for an affordable compact SUV.
Additional Ford Model Resale Values Worth Mentioning
The significant depreciation that comes with driving off the lot in a new vehicle plagues not only Ford models but also other brands and their lineups. Yet, it’s hard to ignore the $34,420 savings you’d bank if you bought a Ford Expedition that’s two model years older than the 2026 model. A Mustang Mach-E of similar age will save you $19,546, but for many prospective EV owners, age isn’t necessarily a plus.
Compare these models to the Ford Bronco, which depreciates by more than $19,000 over the first three years. After five years, the resale value dips to $27,437, less than half what it sold for new. Resale values are even worse for the Explorer, which suffers from value dilution due to too many models on the road.
Resale Value: One Factor of Many in Selecting a New Car
Comparing different makes and models based on resale value can help you make the most of the money you’ll spend on a vehicle. However, there are several other factors to consider—like price, fuel efficiency, and reliability, to name a few—each with its own level of influence on your final decision.
Need help figuring out how resale value should factor into your next vehicle purchase? Consult with a CarEdge Concierge, a car-buying expert dedicated to asking the right questions and finding you the best deal based on what you’re looking for. Schedule a free consult to start the process today.
What’s a Better Value in 2026, A New or Used Car? Experts Weigh In
It’s a new year, yet the car market is presenting drivers with the same classic dilemma: should you buy new or used in 2026? This year, several factors are reshaping the debate, including depreciation trends, interest rates, and price shifts in both new and used car markets. Making the right choice requires a close look at your financial situation and ownership goals. We spoke to CarEdge Co-Founder and auto industry veteran Ray Shefska about how car buyers can make smart, financially-sound decisions in 2026’s market.
Here are some key considerations to help you determine whether buying new, buying used, or leasing makes the most sense for you.
Buying New in 2026 – Financing Deals Versus Depreciation Risks
New cars are known for their steep depreciation, and in 2026, depreciation rates have returned to pre-pandemic levels. That means a new car can lose 20-30% of its value within the first two to three years of ownership. If you’re buying an EV or PHEV, depreciation can be even higher.
However, buying new has its advantages, too. Manufacturer incentives are sweetening the deal for buyers with attractive lease offers, low APR financing, and cash incentives that simply aren’t available for used car buyers.
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of buying a new car in 2026.
Why Buy New in 2026?
- Incentives Galore: Automakers are offering competitive promotions to attract buyers, including 0% APR financing and cash-back deals. See this month’s best offers.
- Lease Deals: If you prefer to drive something new every few years, leasing is the way to go. In 2026, great lease deals abound as automakers look to move stagnant inventory.
- Peace of Mind: New cars come with full warranties, the latest safety features, and no concerns about wear and tear from previous owners.
- Custom Orders: Buying new allows you to select the exact trim, color, and features you want. However, custom orders can come at an even higher price.
- Warranty Protection: With auto reliability under scrutiny in 2026, sometimes it pays to buy new for complete warranty coverage. This is especially true for those who drive more than the average American driver.
Drawbacks of Buying New:
- Higher Initial Cost: Even with incentives, new cars come with higher upfront prices compared to used options. The average new car price in 2026 is nearly $50,000.
- Depreciation Risk: If you plan to sell your car in less than five years, you’ll likely face a significant financial loss due to depreciation.
- Higher Insurance Costs: When your car is worth more, you’ll usually pay more for insurance protection.
- Property Taxes (Where Applicable): If you live in one of the 24 states that imposes a personal property tax on vehicles, you’ll be met with a larger-than-expected tax bill for the first few years of new car ownership.
If you’re considering a new car but worry about depreciation, leasing may be a better option for you in 2026. It allows you to enjoy the benefits of driving new without the financial impact of resale value losses. Otherwise, buying used is the better option for many drivers. More on that below.
Interest Rates Matter – New Cars Have Lower Rates
Interest rates are a defining factor in the new versus used car debate. While borrowing costs remain high in 2026, automakers are making it easier to finance new cars by offering low APR financing. Used car loans, on the other hand, often come with higher interest rates from banks and credit unions. It’s important to keep in mind that low-APR financing is reserved for what the industry calls ‘well-qualified buyers‘.
Why New Cars Win on Interest Rates:
- Lower APR Offers: Many manufacturers are advertising rates as low as 0% APR for new car buyers, helping you save thousands over the life of the loan.
- Better Loan Terms: Lenders tend to offer more favorable terms for new cars compared to used, including longer loan periods and lower down payment requirements.
In 2026, the average used car loan rate is about 12% APR, while new car loan rates average 7% APR. Used car loans typically come with interest rates about 5% higher than those for new vehicles. Over a five-year loan term, this can significantly increase the total cost of financing a used car. If monthly payments are a concern, financing a new car with low APR may actually make more financial sense.
👉 However, NEVER negotiate monthly payments – always negotiate the Out-the-Door Price to avoid add-ons and ripoffs.
See Every 0% APR Offer This Month
New Tools Make Negotiating Easier Than Ever
The days of guessing what to pay for a new car are over. In 2026, buyers have access to tools that provide insight into dealer pricing, invoice costs, and manufacturer incentives.
How to Save Big When Buying New:
- Use Dealer Invoice Pricing: CarEdge now offers Free Dealer Invoice Pricing, allowing you to see what the dealer pays for the car and giving you leverage in negotiations.
- Keep Up With Local Market Trends: A decade ago, car buyers didn’t have access to behind-the-scenes tools like CarEdge Pro. Now, any car buyer in America can see the ins and outs of their local car market for each make and model.
- Compare Dealer Transparency and Pricing Trends: With CarEdge dealer ratings, find the honest dealerships before you shop.
- Leverage Manufacturer Incentives: Research available incentives to maximize your savings before heading to the dealership. We gather the best incentives in one spot for you.
These tools make it easier than ever to negotiate confidently and secure the best deal on a new car in 2025.
Used Car Prices Trending Downward, But Remain High
After years of record-breaking price hikes, used car prices are finally starting to decline. However, they remain elevated compared to historical norms, and deals can still be hard to come by without the right negotiating tools.
Why Consider Buying Used in 2026?
- Lower Upfront Costs: Used cars are more affordable than their new counterparts, making them a better choice for budget-conscious buyers. In 2026, the average used car price is around $26,000. Saving hundreds of dollars on monthly payments over five to six years really adds up!
- Avoid Steep Depreciation: Buying a 3-5 year-old used car allows you to avoid the steepest depreciation period, saving you thousands. If you decide to sell in a few years, you won’t feel the heavy depreciation that a new car buyer in a similar situation would experience.
Challenges of Buying Used:
- Higher Interest Rates: As mentioned earlier, used car loans often come with higher APRs, which can offset some of the savings. In 2026, the average used car loan rate is nearly 12% APR.
- Limited Incentives: Unlike new cars, used vehicles don’t come with manufacturer promotions or warranties. However, you can get a fair deal on an extended warranty.
- Condition Concerns: Always get a pre-purchase inspection to avoid surprises with hidden issues.
Despite these challenges, buying used is still the go-to option for many drivers who prioritize affordability and don’t mind sacrificing the latest features.
Why a 3-5 Year-Old Used Car Could Be the Perfect Compromise
For many car buyers, a 3-5 year-old used car strikes the perfect balance between affordability, reliability, and long-term value. This “sweet spot” in the used car market offers significant benefits that make it a smart choice for budget-conscious drivers who don’t want to sacrifice quality or performance.
Here’s why a 3-5 year-old used car could be the ideal option for you:
Avoid Steep Depreciation
New cars typically lose 30-40% of their value within the first three years, making depreciation one of the biggest hidden costs of buying new.
Lower Upfront Costs
Compared to buying new, 3-5 year-old used cars are significantly more affordable. The average used car price in 2026 is $26,000, nearly 50% lower than today’s average new car price of $50,000.
Modern Features Without the Premium
A car that’s 3-5 years old still comes equipped with many of the features found in today’s new models, such as advanced safety systems and driver assistance.
Remaining Warranty Coverage (Depending on Mileage)
A 3-5 year-old car is typically well within its prime and often covered by a portion of the manufacturer’s original powertrain warranty. If coverage is about to run out, get an Extended Warranty quote for peace of mind.
Better Financing Options Compared to Older Cars
While interest rates for used car loans are higher than those for new cars, lenders generally offer better rates for late-model used cars compared to older vehicles. This makes financing a 3-5 year-old car more manageable and less risky.
By choosing a 3-5 year-old used car, you get the best of both worlds: modern features at a lower price, and the ability to avoid the financial pitfalls of buying new. It’s a smart compromise for 2026 car buyers looking for value and reliability. To ensure you’re making a wise investment, always research market trends, request vehicle history reports, and schedule a pre-purchase inspection before buying any used car.
The Verdict: New or Used in 2026?
In 2026, the decision between buying new or used depends largely on your financial situation and long-term ownership goals.
When to Buy New:
- You plan to keep the car for 5+ years and want the latest features.
- You qualify for low APR financing and want predictable monthly payments.
- Manufacturer incentives significantly reduce the cost.
- To avoid depreciation altogether, consider leasing a new car.
When to Buy Used:
- You want to avoid rapid depreciation and pay less upfront.
- You’re willing to shop for 3-5 year-old vehicles in good condition.
- You don’t mind driving a car with fewer bells and whistles.
- You’re prepared to negotiate a great used car deal.
No matter which option you choose, doing your homework is key. Research market trends, compare deals, and always negotiate to get the best price possible.
CarEdge Can Help You Save
Navigating today’s car market doesn’t have to be stressful. With tools like the Research Hub, Free Dealer Invoice Pricing, and CarEdge Pro, you’ll have all the information you need to negotiate like a pro. Whether you’re shopping for new or used cars, we’ve got the resources to help you save thousands.
Ready for an expert to negotiate on your behalf? CarEdge Concierge is your perfect fit!
Start your car buying journey with confidence at CarEdge, where transparency meets savings.
